If you are planning on international travel soon, you may want to consider applying for first time passport online. It’s very convenient, since you don’t have to go to a government office that accepts applications. Online services provide an agent to you that will help guide you. Your application package is hand delivered and walked through the process. When it is completed, your brand new passport, along with the documents you provided to support your request, will be promptly returned to you.
Form DS-11
Whatever company you choose to hire, there are certain documents that you need to provide. Form DS-11 is issued by the US State Department and if for those applying for the first time. Form DS-82 is required for applicants who have held a passport before. Both of these forms can be found online, either at the government site or from a link on the company’s site.
Proof Of Citizenship
Proof of United States citizenship is required. A local, county or state birth certificate with an official raised seal is ideal. You may also use a Report of Birth Abroad that was issued by a United States consulate office or Naturalization Certificate. Without one of these, you will need to offer more than one form of other proof accompanied by Form DS-10, a Birth Affidavit.
Identification
You must also provide proof of your identification. Many documents are acceptable and they include a valid driver’s license, a military or other government primary or dependent ID or a Naturalization Certificate. Again, if you are lacking these documents, you can submit various other types of identification along with an Affidavit of Identifying Witness, Form DS-71.
Two Photos
The last thing you need to provide to your online agent are two photos. You can use any pictures but there are requirements so you may want to have it done specifically for this use. Many post offices can take your photo. These identical pictures must have been taken in the last six months and must show a full frontal view as you look now. Your face must measure one inch to 1 3/8″ from the top of your head to your chin. It should have a white or off-white background and be 2″ x 2″ in size.
Contact Information
You will, of course, be asked for your contact information, birthday and email address. You will need to provide your itinerary or the information that it contains if you don’t have one. This includes your destination and travel date. You must also need to sign a letter authorizing your agent to discuss the details of your application on your behalf.
Processing Time
If you are in need of an expedited passport, you will be asked for an additional processing fee. These fees will vary depending on the service that you use and they will be in addition to the government fee of $170. You also have the choice of regular or quick delivery of your documentation once the process is complete.
You may want to purchase the passport card. These convenient cards may be used for travel to the Caribbean, Bermuda, Mexico and Canada. International travel is exciting and there is a lot to prepare for. So, Applying for first time US passport online is an easy way to obtain the documentation you need.
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